November Film of the Month

It's the penultimate Film of the Month on Ticket Stub and we've been treated to some awesome films over the past four weeks. I've managed to see three of the best movies to hit screens this winter so let's get started.

As ever, here is the rating system:

* = Poor. Why did I even bother?!

** = OK. Could have done better.

*** = Good. Recommended though don’t feel bad you don’t get to see this one.

**** = Excellent. Not quite perfect but highly recommended.

***** = Masterpiece. You’d be a fool not to see this film.

All titles to films link to their respective IMDB pages so you can discover more about the plot, cast and crew.

Interstellar

Image; behindwoods.com

Christopher Nolan has served us another epic movie. It is grand in scale with stunning visual effects. There are plenty of moments to keep you guessing but the film falls short in a few places. Interstellar is a tad too sentimental where it reaches the point of becoming corny. In the final third act of the film, I really wasn't sure where on earth the plot was taking us as we enter into another dimension. Despite these set backs, the IMAX screening I attended made a huge difference to the viewing experience. I think for any sci-fi film, such as Gravity (2013) or 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - which there are many nods to in this and is also being shown in cinemas this December - they are made to be seen on the biggest screen possible. This is certainly true for Interstellar. The sound was particularly enhanced too - despite it being off balanced in places, as also reported in other reviews. Matthew McConaughey is a fantastic lead and there is a surprise cameo from a Hollywood star - no not Anne Hathaway (she's just OK in this), but someone else not included in the promotion of the movie. Though it has a long running time, it is definitely recommended viewing - if anything for Nolan's ambition which just falls short of being truly brilliant. Don't wait until DVD or Netflix though, go see it in cinemas.

 Rating: ****

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

Image: phoenixpx.deviantart.com

Last year, I went to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) after quickly watching the first film on Netflix the night before and without seeing any trailers in the lead up to the film's release. I had one of the best movie experiences because of this - nothing was spoiled and every plot twist was a complete surprise. So often now, we watch trailers already knowing what the huge scenes will be, what the best lines are and the whole premise of the film. Therefore, I knew for this first part of the final installment I had to do the same. The night before I watched the sequel, conveniently on Netflix, and purposely avoided all promotions to do with Mockingjay. Again, this made a huge difference viewing the film. Mockingjay is so much darker than the previous two films and there is a lot of tension and politics thrown into the action. Jennifer Lawrence is awesome as Katniss. As well as being a great action hero, she is passionate and emotional so we can really root for her throughout the movie. She even sings a song called The Hanging Tree, which is one of the best moments. The late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman is wonderfully charming and comedic playing Plutarch.

The action is gripping and tense throughout. I cannot wait for the last film to be released next year. Yet again, I'll be avoiding all trailers and books! Obviously watch the first two films before venturing into this sequel.
Highly recommended.

Rating: ****

The Imitation Game

Image: filmnation.com

This is such an important film to see and one of the best of 2014. The Imitation Game is based on Alan Turing and the team who cracked the 'impossible' German code known as Enigma in the Second World War. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance is captivating right from the word go. 'Are you paying attention?' he asks at the beginning. Indeed, we are. Turing is an intelligent but tragic character. His genius and isolation is compellingly portrayed with flashbacks and jumps forward to the present day of the 1950s. Turing was homosexual at a time when being gay was illegal. He was prosecuted for homosexual acts in 1952 and eventually committed suicide in 1954. In 2013 however, Turing was given a royal posthumous pardon by the Queen.

The struggles of the team trying to decode Enigma and the moment of the breakthrough itself is enthralling. I found it especially moving when the team finally decode the German message. The rest of the cast are brilliant supporters too. I was pleasantly surprised by Keira Knightly's performance and adored Charles Dance as Commander Denniston.

Without Turing we wouldn't have computers or, in fact, nearly any of the technology which makes our world work today. Not only is this a superb film, it is an important one to educate new generations about the significance of breaking of Enigma and Turing's incredible intellect. Justice Minister, Chris Grayling, stated on the announcement of the pardon from the Queen that "Turing deserves to be remembered and recognised for his fantastic contribution to the war effort and his legacy to science." Let's hope this film can do the same too.

Rating: *****

A great month for films, but as you can see there is one clear winner.

Ticket Stub's November Film of the Month is...

The Imitation Game

Check out the trailer below:

What's been the best film you've seen this month?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

The Biggest Trailers of the Week

I've titled this post the Biggest Trailers of the Week - more like the entire year!?! Two of the most highly anticipated films for 2015 have released trailers this week. Ticket Stub could not ignore either of them or even wait for a Trailer Tuesday to come around. Instead, I've combined these two epic film trailers together so you won't miss the most talked about videos of the week.

Firstly - Jurassic World. Universal gave us a frustratingly short teaser on Friday and late Tuesday evening released this beast of a trailer for the movie's third sequel. I've got to say it looks tense, awesome and epic on a grand scale. Chris Pratt, star of the highly successful Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), is the male lead in this installment. I'm also loving that cheeky reference to Spielberg's Jaws (1975) in the trailer. As if the shark wasn't deadly enough, let's see the ma-hu-sive sharped teeth dino-crocodile snapping up one of the most terrifying and iconic villains! 

Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film sees Jurassic World - a dinosaur theme park - open to the public after 22 years since the events of Jurassic Park (1993). Things start to go terribly wrong though, as researchers introduce a new genetically modified hybrid dinosaur which causes destruction in its path.

Check out the trailer below. Jurassic World will be released 12th June 2015.

Now to the most talked about trailer of the year so far - Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Fans and film buffs were eagerly waiting today to see the first glimpse of the movie directed by J.J. Abrams. Some cinema-goers in the United States got the first viewing but it was at 15.06 GMT that the trailer was released to the world and nearly broke the internet.

Although only 1 min 30 secs, we caught a few clues as to what the film will entail. The lightsabers have had a makeover and that wonderful John Williams score is back! Also, I am pretty sure that the voice over is the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch. He confirmed on The Graham Norton Show that he was on set and seemed to be sworn to secrecy about the filming. However, others on the Twittersphere suggest it could be Andy Serkis or Max Von Sydow. Take a listen and decide for yourself. 

The movie will be released on 18th December 2015:

What do you think of these trailers?

Are you excited for Jurassic World and Star Wars?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Throwback Thursday Trivia: Hollywood Walk of Fame

Image: reeseypeasy.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most visited attractions in the world. Over 10 million people visit it annually along the famous Hollywood Boulevard. As well as actors, the Walk of Fame celebrates the achievements of musicians, directors, producers and musical and theatrical groups. Rather charmingly, fictional characters are also paved in the stars, including: Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog and Bugs Bunny.

So why is there a Hollywood Walk of Fame? What is the point? Who came up with the idea?

The beginnings of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  Image: walkoffame.com

E. M. Stuart has been credited with the concept. He served as the volunteer president of the

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. In 1953, he proposed the Walk as a means to "maintain the glory of a community whose name means glamour and excitement in the four corners of the world".

It's not entirely certain where the original idea came from, however it is said that the inspiration is down to the Hollywood Hotel's dining room ceiling which featured stars and the names celebrities painted on them. Initially though, the stars were to have caricatures of each individual but was deemed too difficult to create so the idea was dropped.

Between 1956-1957, the committee chose from the four industries at the time: motion picture, television. audio recording and radio. They selected 1,558 honorees for the sidewalk. These included big names such as Walt Disney, Cecil B. DeMille and Samuel Goldwyn. However, there was controversy when one of the most famous film stars was not selected - Mr Charles Chaplin.

Charlie Chaplin's controversial star. Image: boyculture.com

Although chosen in the original 1956 line up, Charlie Chaplin's name was omitted as the selection committee objected to his questionable morals and left-leaning political views. It wasn't until 1972 that Chaplin had his star firmly on the Hollywood sidewalk - the same year he won his Honorary Academy Award.

As of March 2014, there are 2,518 stars across the 1.3 mile Boulevard. On average, two stars are added each month and include the individual ceremonies for the recipients. Announced two days ago, Peter Jackson will have his star placed outside the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars is held, on December 8th.

Sheffield's imitation of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 
Sean Bean being presented with his Sheffield Legends plaque.
Image: themightybean.com

Imitations of the Hollywood Walk of Fame include one in Sheffield outside the Town Hall. Aptly named Sheffield Legends, the plaques celebrate the South Yorkshire city's talent - including the likes of Sean Bean and Michael Palin. The picture on the right doesn't quite have the same glamour as Hollywood though, does it?! 

To find out more about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, click the link to go to the official site.

Don't forget to follow Ticket Stub Film Club on Twitter. 

Join in the conversation and keep up to date on all things film.

Trailer Tuesday: Pitch Perfect 2

Image: cinemablend.com

The widely anticipated sequel to the surprise hit of 2012, Pitch Perfect, will be bursting onto screens next year as the new trailer for the movie was released earlier this week.

Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Ben Platt, Brittany Snow and Elizabeth Banks (who is also directing) return in the much loved singing and dancing musical comedy. Expect plenty of acapella battles and song mash-ups as this time the Barden Bellas head to compete in the World Championships. It already looks like a hoot and will no doubt be a box office success.

Pitch Perfect was an unexpected gem which got us all learning the cup song - I am a master at this now and it has become my new party trick! Why not learn it yourself with this handy guide below?

Pitch Perfect 2 will be released in May 2015. 
So you'll have loads of time to perfect the cup song!

Are you excited for Pitch Perfect 2?

Have you seen any other great trailers worth sharing?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #25

"You talkin' to me?"

Taxi Driver (1976)

imgarcade.com

Happy Birthday to director Martin Scorsese today!

What's your favourite film of his?

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Trailer Tuesday: Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Image: designntrend.com

The Avengers are back! Yes - the sequel to Avengers Assemble (2012) and the eleventh installment in the Marvel series will once again be blasting into cinemas next year.

However, there has been a bit of controversy with this trailer. An unknown individual leaked it to the world causing Marvel to quickly release the official HD trailer six days early. They did well in trying to recover from the embarrassment though - by posting a tweet blaming Marvel's villainous organisation HYDRA for the leak. Now though, Marvel is demanding Google to name the leaker's identity. Surely though, this is just great publicity for the film?!

Enough of the hype, what about the movie itself and the cast? As with the previous Avengers, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, along, with the legend, Samuel L. Jackson have returned. Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson also join the cast as the twins Pietro and Wanda Maximoff (better known as Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver). 

The movie will see Tony Stark attempting to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program - a self-aware artificial intelligence. However, things quickly go awry as Ultron emerges and turns against the human race and sets to eradicate them from Earth. Will the Avengers save the day once again?

Avengers: Age of Ultron won't be released until May 2015, but for now, enjoy the sneak peek trailer:

Are you excited for the new Avengers?

Seen any great trailers worth sharing?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #24

"Hey, Buzz! You're flying!"

"This isn't flying. This is falling - with style!"

Toy Story (1995)

Image: pixar-planet.fr

Pixar have just announced there will be a

 Toy Story 4 coming out in 2017.

Are you excited?

Or did you think the trilogy ended perfectly?

Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @TicketStubBlog